Display system



May 18, 1943 M. ARENDr .2,319,287A

DISPLAY SYSTEM Filed May 15, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet l Z/ INVENTOR,

/1//0/77'0/1/ AFE/V07' BYQMJ. Lw

ATTORNEY.

May 18, 1943 M. ARI-:NDT

DISPLAY SYSTEM Filed May 15, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 77 +1 DIRECT j ff, L

f/f w JZ jj CURRENT TO LAMP ENERGIZING CIRCUIT INVENTOR. /I//F 76A/ Hf/V@ 7 A TTORNE Y.

.to present the continuous -with an elevator; and another series on Patented May 18, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,319,287 DISPLAY SYSTEM Morton Arendt, New York, N. Y. ADDlication May 15, 1940, Serial No. 335,277 7 Claims. (01.88-16) This invention relates to display systems incorporating a synchronized flashing light source which is moved with respect to stationary spaced pictures, b eing a continuation in part of my copending application, Serial No. 329,887, filed on April 16, 1940, entitled Display systems for moving vehicles.

In the copending application, a display system is disclosed with a flashing light source adjacent each of a series of spaced pictures. Passengers on a moving vehicle, such as a subway train or railway, are thereby enabled to view the series' as a motion picture display synchronized ywith the passage of the vehicle. I have found that in certain applications of the display system, the installation may be substantially simplified and rendered less expensive. In accordance with the present invention, a flashing light source is mounted on the vehicle itself. The iiashing is synchronized with the movement of the vehicle in a manner to convey a continuous optical picture effect to observers.

The principle of my present invention in one of its forms is particularly applicable to passenger elevators, escalators or similar vehicles; Spaced stationary pictures along the path of the vehicle are synchronously illuminated from the vehicle, picture eiect to the moving passengers. Means are provided by my invention for transferring the illumination and corresponding optical review to the series of pictures arranged in the sequence corresponding to the direction of movement of the vehicle. Thus, one series of pictures is observed on ascending descending.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel continuous picture display system. Y

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel picture display system for passengers on elevators, escalators, and similar vehicles, employing pictures spacedly mounted along the path of the vehicle.

A further object oi' the present invention is to provide series of spaced pictures of different sequences along the path .of a moving vehicle, together with means for selectively observing the picture series corresponding with the direction of movement of the vehicle.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent in the following description of preferred embodiments thereof,

' consecutively in ascending order.

illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Flg. 1` is a diagrammatic illustration, in perspective, of the invention applied to a vertical passenger elevator; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the elevator display system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic electrical diagram` of the components constituting the display system of Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the transfer relay arrangement for the system of Figs. 1, 2 and 3; and Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic showing, in perspective, of a modied form of the invention where the observer is stationary.

The application of the invention for vertical passenger elevators is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. It is however to be understood that the invention is equally applicable to escalators or any other type of vehicle with a predetermined path of movement. The elevator car l0 is guided in the usual manner Within its shaft. Rails II, II and cooperating tracks I2, I2 are schematically shown, together with hoisting cable I3 attached to elevator car I0. It is to be understood that any suitable established elevator guiding and operating means can be employed for motivating elevator car IU, without affecting lthe operation of the inventionsystem.

Two series of pictures P and P' are aligned along the walls I4 and I 6 of the elevator shaft opposite respective windows I5 and I5' of elevator car I0. The pictures P, spacedly mounted along wall I 4 are for viewing during the ascent of elevator car Ill, being schematically numbered Picture nuznbers 2II through 2I9 of series P are seen in fragmentary Fig. 1. Similarly, picture series P' on wall Ii are arranged in the descending order for viewing upon the-descent of elevator car I0; numbers 94| through 919 appearing in Fig. 1. By the expression picture cr scene, I refer to any type of display scene, character, view, printing, picture, representation, image, or the like. 'I'he size of the pictures as well as their relative spacing depends upon the size of the elevator windows I5, I5. Upon illumination of the flashing light source to be series should normally be in the field of view of observers in the elevator car.

Sources of illumination I1 and Il' are mounted on the side walls oi' elevator car I0, opposite the respective series of pictures P and P. and adjacent the respective car widows I5 and I5'. Reilectors I8 and I8' surround light sources I1 and described, only one picture of a Il respectively for directing synchronized light ashes upon pictures appearing opposite the car windows. The ashing ofA lamps or light sources Il, I' is synchronized with the movement of elevator car l through the elevator shaft, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, to eiect a. continuous motion picture display.

An electronic lamp energizing circuit 2U is arranged on the top of car lil for performing the flashing of lamps Il, I1. Lamps Il, I1 are connected to energizing unit 20 by selective relay unit 2 I, schematically indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, through respective cables 22, 22'. The operation of lamp energizing unit 2i) is controlled by photoelectric cell 23 connected to the input of unit 20 by leads 24. A continuous source of illumination 25 is arranged with a reector 2E, directing a light beam 2l towards an alignment of reector plates 28 spacedly mounted along the inner rear Wall 29 of the elevator shaft.' Reflector plates 28 are arranged along wall 29 with a center-tocenter spacing corresponding to the center-tocenter spacing of the pictures of series P and P'.

As car lll moves up or down light beam 21 is reilected onto photoelectric cell 23 whenever it strikes a. reilector plate 28. The respective arrangement of light beam 2l, rellector plates 28 and photocell 23 is such as to direct the beam upon the elements of the photoelectric cell. A shield, 23' is arranged about photoelectric cell 23 to shade it from extraneous lighting. The electronic circuit of unit 20 is designed to cause lamp ll or il' to ilash whenever the reflection of light beam 2l onto photoelectric cell 23 is interrupted and then reixnplnged, as will be described in detail in connection with Fig. 3. Electric cable 30 energizes lamp 25 and unit 20 as indicalted, and maybe connected to a. 110 volt alternating current or other power source, through suitable conductors generally associated with elevator systems, Ibut not shown in the drawing.

In accordance with the present invention, picture series P is successively illuminated by lamp Il as upon ascenit of elevator car I0 effecting a continuous motion picture display, in a predetermined sequence, to observers in the car. While car lll is ascending, opposite lamp Il' remains unenergized in the illustrated case, wherein picture series P', arranged for the reverse sequence, is not flashed to the passengers in car Ill. The connection of lamp energizing unit 2li rto either lamp il or il vis eected through a selective relay unit 2l controlled, in the illustrated embodiment, =by handle 3l of the elevator control unit 32. With control handle 3l in the illustrated position, for `ascent of car l, lamp ll is placed in direct connection with energizing unilt 20, and is ashed in synchronism with the upward movement of car l@ to display picture series P. The selective action of unit 2i will be described in more detail in connection with Fig. 4. Similarly, upon descent of elevator car i, with control handle 3l in the reverse position shown in dotted lines at 3l', lamp il is disconnected, and lamp Il connected into operative relation with energizing unit 20. It is to be understood that other means may be employed for selectively switching lamps I'l and Il' to unit 2G in correspondence with rthe direction of movement of elevator car l0. For example, trip switches may be used which are actuated at the uppermost and lowermost positions of travel of the elevator car. Also, the selective transfer relay 2i may be dispensed with, keeping one or both lamps il, I1' in operative connection with unit 2li for ascent and descent of car l.

In accordance with the invention, light source l1 or I1' is illuminated with instantaneous flashes caused by the interruption of the reflected light beam upon photoelectric cell 23, to illuminate the picture ODpOsite window I5 or l5 at the time. The energization of lamps il, ll' occurs abruptly, with the illumination instantly reaching its maximum value. The illumination is in the form of brilliant ashes opposite the picture to be viewed,

synchronously timed with the movement of elevator car lll. The abrupt ashes occur successively, in synchronism with the movement of the elevator car. The reector plates 28', spaced in accordance with the spacing of the picture series, initiate the abrupt and brilliant light flashes onto l.the pictures as they come into the field of view of the passengers. The flashes are of such short duration that no blurring occurs in the observation of pictures, regardless of the speed of the elevator car.

The successive progression of the pictures, synchronously illuminated by the brilliant flashes, imparts a smooth and continuous optical eiect to the passengers. By arranging pictures of series P, P as the successive frames of a motion picture display, corresponding to successive frames of a standard motion picture projection system, a continuous animated picture elect is produced. The passengers may view only one of lthe pictures at a time, through the suitable spacing thereof.r The height of the pictures and their respective centerto-center spacing are preferably arranged to cause at least fteen pictures per second to be observed alt the average speed of operation o! the elevator.

It is to be understood that shadow plates projecting from a Wall of the elevator shaft, corresponding to the shadow plates projecting from the subway train as disclosed in my copending application referred Ito, and in Patent No. 2,026,753 which issued on January 7, 1936, may be employed instead of reflector plates 38. Such opaque plates are spaced corresponding to that of reflector plates 28, but are arranged rather to interrupt the light beam 2l directed on photoelectric cell 23. Also, several lamps may be connected in parallel for each window if desired.

A preferred circuit arrangement for energizing unit 20 controlling the flashing of light sources il or il is shown in the schematic diagram, Fig. 3. The anode 35 of photoelectric cell 23 is connected to grid electrode 36 of triode amplier tube 3l. Photo cell anode 35 and grid electrode 36 are connected to ground through a high resistance 38, such as 10 megohms. Cathode 39 of photo cell 23 is connected to negative terminal 4U of a rectier circuiit designed to properly bias the photoelectric tube. A negative potential at terminal of the order of volts isla preferred value. A resistance il is connected 1between cathode i2 of triode 3l and lead 33 connected to cathode 39 of 'the photo cell.

The anode lill of triode 3l is connected to positive terminal @5 of the B voltage supply, through resistance 56. A potentiometer il is connected across cathode resistance di through resistance $8. Variable tap 69 of potentiometer 7 is directly connected to the control grid 5l of an output amplier rtube 5i] through a series resistance 52. Amplifier tube 5l) may be of any desired type. A highly eiiicient beam power tube is preferred, with screen grid electrode 53 thereof connected directly lto anode 56. Cathode 55 of tube 50 is connected directly to ground. The output of power amplifier tube 50 is connected to the primary winding 56 of a high ratio step-up transformer 51.

The operating voltage supply for the electronic circuit 20 described may be obtained from an ordinary alternating current power lighting source, such as a 110 volt 60 cyclesupply connected to primary winding 59 of transformer 60. The biasing supply for photoelectric cell 23 is developed by a low voltage secondary winding 6|, one terminal of which is connected to the anode of a diode rectifier tube 62, the cathode of which is grounded; and the other terminal, to the input of a resistance-capacity filter 63. The output terminal 40 of lter 63 is at a negative potential with respect to ground as already described, for suitably biasing the photoelectric cell. The B supply for the unit is generated through a centertapped secondary Winding 84 of transformer 60 the outer terminals of which are connected to the anodes of full-wave rectifier tube 65 having its cathode connected to the input of inductance capacity filter 68. The output terminal 45 of filter 6B is at a positive value with respect to ground. In the preferred embodiment, the potential across primary winding 56 of transformer 51 is of the order of 250 volts.

The operation of the control circuit of Fig. 3 in producing the impulse actuation voltages for gaseous tubes |1, l1 is as follows: While light beam 21 is impinging on photo cell 23 through its reflection from a plate 28, the normal condition of the circuit is such that a sufficiently negative potential with respect to ground exists across resistance 38 and control grid 36 with substantially no current flowing between the anode and cathode of tube 31. In other words, triode 31 is biased to cut-off during the quiescent period of the circuit. When the reflected light beam impinging on photoelectric cell 23 is interrupted upon its impingement on the non-reflective surface 28a between reflector plates 28, the negative potential on grid electrode 36 is substantially decreased or even rendered positive due to a corresponding change in potential across grid resistance 38. Current thereupon flows between cathode 42 and anode 44 of triode 31, causing a corresponding current flow through cathode resistor 4|.

Such current flow, or change of current flow, through resistor 4| produces a relatively positive potential thereacross, which positive potential is in turn communicated directly to control grid of output tube 50. The sensitivity or magnitude of the control grid voltage applied to tube 50 is adjustable through tap 49 of potentiometer 41. The positive impulse or signal applied to control grid 5| of tube 50 causes a corresponding current build up through the primary winding 56 of transformer 51. When the light beam reimpinges upon photo cell 23, the current in the primary winding collapses rapidly. The current collapse through primary winding 56 causes a trigger voltage across the second winding 58 of correspondingly greater magnitude, due to the high step-up ratio of transformer 51. A step-up ratio of 50:1 was used in the embodiment, giving a desired potential of the order of 15,000 volts for the trigger impulse to flash lamp |1or |1. Transformer 51 is of the constant potential type. It is to be understood that other equivalent circuit arrangements may be used for this action.

The trigger action by circuit 20 is instantaneous and requires no interruption of air gaps or other mechanical arrangements. No time lag is apparent, and no arcing is incurred. The transient or impulse action of the circuit results in a flashing action by the gaseous tubes |1, |1 giving the desirable substantially instantaneous illumination on the pictures. The control of energizing circuit 20 may be other than that described.

The secondary winding 58 of transformer 51, together with a direct current power source 10, is

2| is in turn selectively connected to lamp |1 or |1 through respective cables 22, 22 as will be described in connection with Fig. 4. Lamp |1' opposite picture series P' is shown in Fig. 3, operative upon the descending movement of elevator car I0. The picture opposite window |5 of car |0 is flashed into view by lamp l1' when light beam 21 from light source 25 impinges upon a non-reflecting surface 28a between spaced plates 28. The flash of lamp |1 is brilliant and instantaneous, and synchronized with the movement of the car as wil1 now be understood by those siilledin the art. A single flash occurs for each picture, constituting a motion picture display for passengers in the car I0.

Fig. 4 shows a preferred arrangement for relay control unit 2|, and lamps I1, l1. Unit 2| selectively switches the output of electronic energizing circuit 20 vbetween gaseous lamps |1 and |1' in accordance with the direction of movement of the elevator car. When elevator control handle 3| is in the illustrated position, a source of energy indicated at 1| is connected to relay solenoid 12 through contact 13 and ground. A three-pole armature 14, 15, 16 is attracted against respective contacts 11, 18, 19 connecting leads 81, 68, 6! from unit 20 to gaseous lamp |1. Lead 61 corresponds to the ground connection on the lamp; lead 58 to the ungrounded terminal of secondary Winding 58 of transformer 51, connected to a capacitative tap 80 on tube |1 to initiate lthe trigger action thereon; and lead 69 to the positive terminal of direct current power source 10, connected to the ungrounded terminal of the gaseous tube |1 through a ballast resistor 8 In the practical embodiment, lamps |1, |1'

were fifteen inches long and one-half inch in diameter. A power source 10of 1000 volts was used. A resistance of 2000 ohms was found satisfactory for resistor 8|. A condenser 82 of about two microfarads was shunted across gaseous tube l1. Condenser 82 is charged by direct current power source 10, and discharged through the gaseous tube I1 upon excitation by the trigger voltage from secondary winding 58 of transformer 51. Direct current power source 10 may be obtained from Ithe motor generator unit mounted on the elevator car, or connected to the maving car by a suitable contactor arrangement. Alternatively, the direct current power source may be obtained by stepping-up the volt alternating current supply of the car to a suitable value and rectifying it on the car as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The direction of movement of the elevator car is reversed by shifting elevator control handle 3| to the opposite position 3|' shown in dotted lines.` Relay 12 is thereupon deenergized, and relay 12' energized, attracting relay armatures 14, 15, 16 to the opposite position from that illustrated. Armatures 14, 15, 16 close upon contacts 11', 18', 18', connecting tube l1' to the energizing circuit 20 in place of tube l1. The component connections and elements associated with gaseous tube i1 are similar to those shown and sequence upon ascent of the car, and in reverse sequence upon its descent. By suitably designing the picture, interesting advertising and display eects may be seen by the observers in the car in either direction of movement. The display installation is most practicably applied toexpress elevator cars at the sequence where it usually operates non-stop, at a substantially oonstant speed, between widely separated oors. A sumcient time is thus afforded for a good display message to the observers in the car.

A modified form of the invention is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 5. In this case, the observer' is stationary behind a partition or screen in which there is an opening |0| through which the motion picture display is viewed. A series of spaced pictures P is regularly mounted along a belt |02, movedpast opening lei. Belt |02 is shown schematically and isvof any length or type. The motivating means for belt |02 may also be of any suitable type. A continuous belt is preferred for eecting continuous repetition of the display message. However, this is not essential since rewinding or resetting means may be-incorporated. A gaseous tube |03 ls arranged on partition |00 within a suitable reector |04. Reflector |04 directs light generated by tube |03 upon the picture P' at that time in position opposite aperture |0I. Lamp |03 is con nected to energizing unit |00 by cable |06. Unit |05 corresponds to energizing unit 20 and associated circuit components previously described in connection with lamps l1 and l1'. Cable |01 connects unit |05 to a suitable power source.

A photoelectric cell i|0 is connected to energizing unit |05 by connections I. The reilector unit H2 surrounds photoelectric cell ||0 .to m'inimize extraneous light reaching the cell. A source of light H5, surrounded by a reflector ||6 directs ture. |0I. It is to be understood that the shadow area corresponding to on belt |02, may comprise projecting shadow plates from the belt. Alternately, electrical commutator means may be employed in place of the light beam and shadow plates.

Although I have described my invention in a preferred embodiment thereof, I am aware that modifications falling within the broader Spirit and scope thereof may be made, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. and I therefore do not intend to be limited except as set forth in the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. The combination with a plurality of stationary display scenes linearly spaced along an elevator shaft, of a car movable in said shaft, a lamp arranged on said car opposite said display scenes, means on said car in circuit with said a beam of light towards photoelectric cell H0..

Light beam il? is arranged to pass through slots H8 on one side of belt |02. Slots ||8 are of equal size and are regularly spaced to form effective shadow plates |20, which interrupt the passage of light beam lil to photoelectric celll l0. The

position of photoelectric cell H0, light beam i`|1 and shadow plates |20 is such as to cause the successive ashing of gaseous tube I 03 when a picture P' is directly opposite aperture |0|.

The dashing of gaseous tube |03 is prepared for when the light beam H1 is interrupted by areas l|20 on belt |02, and effected upon reimplngement of the beam lll on the' photoelectric cell, as indicated in Fig. 5. The space phase of the trailing edge of the shadow areas |20 with respect tolight beam ||1 is such that a picture P' (2id) will be directly opposite aperture for viewing. Belt |02 is moved at a continuous rate, and is preferably arranged to carry a minimum of 15 pictures P past aperture |0| each second. Lamp |03 is ashed once as each of the pictures reaches the position P' opposite aperture itl. A continuous motionpicture effect is thus aiorded to spectators looking through aperlamp for iiashing said lamp in synchronism with the movement of said car past said scenes in; cluding a photo-electric cell, and reflector members spacedly arranged along said shaft for causing a light beam carried on said car to intermittently impinge on said cell in accordance with the speed of said car and to correspondingly operate said means, whereby said scenes'are individually illuminated in succession to present a ,continuous animated display effect to observers in said car.

2. In a display system, a first series of linearly spaced display scenes, a second series of linearly spaced display scenes parallel with said rst series and arranged in the opposite sequence of display with respect thereto, a vehicle movable in a predetermined path along said display scenes, a lamp arranged on said vehicle opposite each of said series, means for ashing said lamps in synchronism with the movement of said vehicle past said scenes, and mechanism for selectively connecting said lamps into operative relation with said means in accordance with the direction of.

movement of saidvehicle.

3. In an animated display` system, a first series of displayscenes linearly spaced along an elevator shaft, a. second series of linearly spaced display scenes parallel with said flrst series and arranged in the oppositesequence of display with respect thereto, a car movable up and down in said shaft, a lamp capable of flashing alight beam on a scene for a short duration that is independent of the car speed arranged on said car opposite each of said series, apparatus on said car for intermittently flashing said lamps in synchronism with the movement of said car past said scenes, and means for selectively connecting said lamps with said apparatus in accordance with the direction of movement of said car. Y

4. In a display system, a first series of display scenes linearly spaced along an elevator shaft, a second series of linearly spaced display scenes parallelwith said rst series and arranged in the opposite sequence of display with respect thereto, an elevator car movable up and down in said shaft, agaseous lamp arranged on said car opposite each of said series, means on Said car for `intermittently flashing said lamps in synchronism-with the movement of said car past said scenes, said means including va light responsive element andv members spacedly arranged along said shaft for causing a light beam carried on said car to intermittently impinge on said element' in accordance Awith'the speed of said car and correspondingly operate said means, whereby said scenes are individually illuminated in .ica tc pieseiit a continuous display eect meer sequence to observers in said car.

La disaient system, a first series iiiieaily spaced dispiay scenes, a second series ci iiueaily spaced display .scenes parallel 'with sais mst series and arranged in the apposite sea gaseous lamp arranged sa said Ve l of said sei'iea, .means on, said s flashing said. l

mes in synchronism l vement ci said vehicle past said excluding a phctwelectiic cell, membeis along said path causing eem carded en said Vehicle te intermit goings ci?. said cell in accordassce with ci said vehicle and correspondingly oper selectively a said lamps into operative ielation mea/lis acc-sidaiice "with the direction ist of said vehicle, whereby said scenes 'dually illuminated .iuccession to preseiit continuous animatea display eiect in 'the sequence to cbseif-Jeis in said vehicle, L. En a display system; a plurality of stationary spaced display scenes, vehicle movable csite said display scenes, a discharge laan@ said vehicle, means in ci enit tn'ti ici intermittently flashing it iii spip chronism with the movement of said vehicle past said scenes, said means including a light responsive element carried on said vehicle, members arranged in a path parallel with that of said scenes for causing a light beam to intermittently im pinge on said element in accordance with the speed of said Vehicle and the position `of each scene for correspondingly operating said :means to asli said lamp intermittently on said scenes, and apparatus for causing each flashing of said lamp to be for a short duration that is independent 0;? the vehicle speed.

7. in a display system, a plurality of stationary lineailt57 spaced display scenes, a vehicle movable opposite said display scenes, a discharge lamp arranged cn said vehicle, means in circuit with said lamp for intermittently lasiiing said lamp in synchronism with the movement of said vehicle past said scenes, said means including a light iespcusive element carried on said vehicle, and reectcr members arranged in a path parallel with that oi said scenes for causing a light beam cain fied ou said vehicle to intermittently impinge on said element accordance with the speed of said vehicle and the position of each scene foi' cori'espondingly operatiiie said means to @ash said lamp intermittently on said scenes. 

